The University of Notre Dame is set to re‑enter the Shamrock Series this fall, bringing its storied football program to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on September 6, 2026. The neutral‑site contest will pit the Fighting Irish against the Wisconsin Badgers in a primetime slot at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, marking the first of several marquee matchups scheduled for the season.
Tickets for the Green Bay showdown start at $346, with lower‑level seats priced at $384, reflecting the premium placed on a game that will also serve as the opening contest of the 2026 college football calendar. The matchup arrives while Notre Dame sits at No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, underscoring the high expectations surrounding the program.
Beyond the Wisconsin game, the Shamrock Series will traverse a rotating slate of venues, including contests against Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina, Stanford, BYU, Navy, Miami, Boston College and Syracuse. Each site offers a distinct atmosphere, and ticket pricing varies widely across the schedule, catering to a broad fan base.
A Season‑Long Celebration
The decision to stage games in professional stadiums reflects a strategic effort to broaden the series’ reach, drawing larger crowds and television audiences beyond traditional campus settings. By leveraging iconic locations such as Lambeau Field, the NCAA and its partners aim to blend college tradition with the spectacle of pro‑level venues.
Fans traveling to Green Bay will find a city steeped in football heritage, with Lambeau Field standing as a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts. The venue’s storied past, combined with the presence of a top‑ranked opponent, promises an electric atmosphere that could rival any regular‑season college game.
The series’ schedule, while diverse, is designed to test the Fighting Irish against a spectrum of playing styles and geographic challenges. From the Midwestern heartland to the West Coast, each stop offers a unique set of conditions that could influence rankings and playoff considerations as the season unfolds.
Overall, the 2026 Shamrock Series illustrates a growing trend of college football programs embracing neutral‑site events to enhance visibility and revenue, while still preserving the competitive spirit that defines the sport.